LISTEN: New Weezer Song Reveals Different Sound

By: Maura O'Malley

Weezer’s got a new song, “Feels Like Summer,” and it’s totally a summer jam. Check it out below.

We’ll admit—this one’s sounding pretty different from the typical Weezer we’re used to. Take the bridge on “Buddy Holly” or their first single, “Undone—The Sweater Song,” for example.

The “Sweater Song” is quintessential Weezer, and that song’s guitar riff is legendary. In a way, the song also speaks to the way rock was morphing into a more modern sound after the death of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain in 1994—the same year “The Sweater Song” was released.

It is, however, worth noting one way Weezer’s always remained consistent: masking sad lyrics behind upbeat tunes and Rivers Cuomo’s sweet voice. A good chunk of their first album is melancholy (think: “The World has Turned and Left Me Here”), while “bye bye, sugar-blue eyes—you’re home with the angels” is just one line from “Feels Like Summer”—a dark line for such an upbeat track.

All in all, Weezer’s been in the game for a minute, so it’s not all that surprising that they’re trying something new.

What do you think about this new track? Are you digging the new stuff or looking for the classic Weezer sound?